Physical but not emotional stress induces a delay in behavioural coping responses in rats

Abstract

Physical stress (PS) and emotional stress (ES) have opposite long-term effects on open field behaviour. PS consisted of a repeated mild foot shock treatment, which the ES animals witnessed. PS caused a long-term decrease in locomotor activity and exploration behaviours and increased immobility. ES induced an increase in locomotor activity. These changes in open field behaviour could be the result of several factors such as increased anxiety, a shift in coping strategy or simply a change in locomotor activity. To investigate the effect of the PS and ES treatment on these separate factors, the following behavioural tests were performed: defensive withdrawal, shock prod bury, large open field a..